ElectraLink said analysis of electricity market settlement data showed much of the growth in embedded generation came from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar generators. In March 2017, the generation of embedded wind and solar was 33% higher than in March 2016.

National Grid expects that by 2030 50% of all electricity generation will be connected at the local distribution level.

‘Missing picture’

Dan Hopkinson, Head of Network and Energy Market Insights at ElectraLink said distributed generation was the “missing picture” when looking at supply in the UK

“Lack of visibility of embedded generation compounds intermittency issues particularly with the growth of renewables. Balancing supply and demand requires National Grid to accurately forecast embedded renewables and given the rapid development of this type of generation, near real-time embedded generation data detailing what is being generated and where is very valuable to the marketplace,” he said.